Repeater Beam Determination via Spatial Domain Filter Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in performing measurement and reporting to determine reference signals (RS) or beams for repeaters in links between a base station (gNB) and a repeater, and between a repeater and a user equipment (UE).
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a RAN node, such as a repeater, that includes a transceiver and a processor configured to receive information about RS sets and spatial domain filters from a second RAN node. The processor determines spatial domain filters associated with the RS sets based on this information, enabling beam determination for downlink and uplink RS in links between the gNB and repeater, and between the repeater and UE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a repeater is deployed between gNB and UE to extend coverage, then coverage area is improved, but beam determination complexity increases due to need to determine separate beams for gNB-repeater link and repeater-UE link
Solution Approach 1:
The gNB configures the repeater with spatial domain filter information and RS set information in advance through RRC signaling or MAC CE, enabling the repeater to perform beam determination proactively before actual data transmission. This preliminary configuration reduces real-time decision complexity during active communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism where the gNB provides the repeater with spatial domain filter information and RS set information through RRC signaling or MAC CE. This intermediary configuration allows the repeater to determine beams for both gNB-repeater and repeater-UE links without requiring complex real-time coordination between all three nodes.
2Reliability
If the gNB indicates DL reception beam and UL transmission beam to the UE based on measurement and reporting, then communication reliability is improved, but the system cannot directly apply the same mechanism when a repeater is involved due to additional beam determination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam determination process into distinct phases: (1) gNB configures spatial domain filter information and RS set information to the repeater, (2) repeater determines beams for gNB-repeater link, (3) repeater determines beams for repeater-UE link. This segmentation allows the legacy gNB-UE beam mechanism to remain intact while adding repeater-specific beam determination steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts beam determination based on the presence of a repeater. When a repeater is detected, the gNB provides additional spatial domain filter information and RS set information specifically for the repeater, enabling the system to maintain reliability while accommodating the repeater scenario through dynamic configuration rather than static protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application are related to a method and apparatus of measurement and reporting for beam determination. According an embodiment of the present application, an exemplary method includes: receiving first information indicating one or more sets of reference signal (RS) from a second RAN node; receiving second information indicating at least one of a first number of first spatial domain filter for a link between the second RAN node and the RAN node, a second number of second spatial domain filter for a link between the RAN node and a third node; or a third number based on the first number and the second number; and determining at least one spatial domain filter associated with at least one RS of the one or more sets of RS at least based on the second information.